"Thank yous" bounced back and forth like a tennis ball between two players at Saturday's dedication of Promenade Community Park in northeast Corona.

Recreation commissioner Joy Dunn expressed gratitude to city officials for the development of the 20.4 acres of land once intended to be the site of an electrical substation into a place where people can build "wonderful memories."

City Councilwoman Karen Stein spoke of her appreciation for the ability of government and citizens to work together to put ball diamonds, basketball courts and playground facilities on what was once rock-strewn land at the corner of Promenade and Richey avenues.

And in a private moment, a neighborhood family said thanks to a Corona firefighter for coming to the aid of their 2 ½-year-old daughter who broke her left arm, falling from the park's jungle gym Friday night.

About 500 people attended the ceremony instead of the anticipated 10 or 12, Corona City Manager Bill Workman said. More came later, including Afshin and Leah Compani and their daughter, Roya, with her broken arm in a cast and a sling.

Leah said the family returned to the park so Roya would not be afraid to go there again after suffering the injury. They found Jim Steiner, a captain assigned to the Corona Fire Department's hazardous materials truck.

Leah Compani thanked Steiner, who with his crew had cared for Roya before she was taken to Corona Regional Medical Center for X-rays and treatment. Steiner said it was the first medical aid call at the new park.

"It was nice to see she (Roya) was doing OK," Steiner said. "We always appreciate it when people come up and thank us for a job well done."

A chorus of bravos echoed during the ceremonies. Workman congratulated recreation officials for completing phase one of the park for $1.7 million this year. He said the park originally was expected to open in 2005.

"People should look at what we did and learn from it," said Jeff Miller, a recreation commissionmember.

Boys and girls bounced on the Astro-jumps and played basketball during the ceremony. Later, people lined up see a baseball exhibit from the Anaheim Angels, were served hamburgers and watched a performance by dogs catching flying discs by the California Canine Disc Masters.

Ranger, a black Labrador retriever owned by Corona resident Lynn Knowles, set a world record by catching 76 discs in one minute at the park Saturday. The old record was 60 five years ago by a dog owned by Jaleen Sattler of Whittier.

Rosalind Johnson said her children, Jonathan, 11, and Jericka, 8, would use the park as they walked home from school.

Tom Toia brought daughter, Hannah, 3, and son, Nicholas, 5, to the park's opening day. Toia said the park had "lots of running room for your pets. We love it."

Art Pavez, who lives near the park, expressed dismay over the lack of permanent restrooms.

Those will come as part of Phase 2, which includes a gymnasium, skate park and tennis courts, Workman said. The estimated cost is $5.5 million.

Workman said it was important to develop parks in phases around the city so that as many people as possible would have recreation facilities.

Jerry Soifer can be reached by e-mail at jsoifer@pe.com or by phone at (909) 737-1366.

Published 8/15/1999